Well-known author, and mental health advocate Penny Moodie and husband Hugh Van Cuylenburg, founder of The Resilience Project and the Imperfects Podcast, will headline a three-day mental health and wellbeing initiative titled Exploring Wellness in Mildura next month.
The pair will share their personal journeys with a heartfelt and real conversation about OCD, mental wellbeing, relationships and recovery at the Mildura Arts Centre on Friday 16 May. This event has been made possible thanks to Northern Mallee Leaders.
The morning will start with a meditation and breathwork session by Mental Health Mallee to leave participants feeling refreshed clear-minded and ready to embrace the conversations for the day. The afternoon will feature a peer support session aimed at those living with or supporting someone with OCD.
It forms part of the packed program of events designed to inform, empower and connect the community through shared stories and expert insights.
Hosted by local and national leaders in health and wellbeing, the event features a range of interactive sessions for professionals, carers, individuals with lived experience, and the general public.
Councillor for Community Health and Wellbeing Troy Bailey said with sessions for professionals, carers, and those with lived experience, there was "something for everyone".
"Exploring Wellness aims to connect our community with practical tools, real stories and expert insights to support mental health and wellbeing," Cr Bailey said.
"This initiative brings together a powerful mix of education, lived experience and peer support. It's designed to benefit anyone navigating mental illness — whether for themselves or someone they care about."
The event kicks off on May 14 with a Masterclass in Mental Health Promotion, a deep dive into policy, systems, and evidence-based strategies for promoting mental wellbeing, presented by Dr Stephen Carbone, Founder and CEO of Prevention United and hosted by Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit. The evening will include, Let's Talk Mental Health offering a free session tailored to women, focused on understanding mental health challenges and support pathways, followed by a Walk Safe Sunraysia group walk to promote connection and safe inclusive public spaces.
On May 15, specialist General Practitioner Dr Emilie Staehr leads a standout session on Adult ADHD, exploring how ADHD presents across the lifespan blending medical expertise and personal lived experience.
The program of events has come together with a partnership through Mildura Rural City Council, Northern Mallee Leaders, Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit and Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.
